Method and system for controlling a controlled device with a remote control device through a display device

ABSTRACT

A method and system for controlling a controlled device includes a display device and a remote control device generating a key code and communicating the first key code signal corresponding to the key code to the display device. The display device Communicates the key code of the key code signal through the display device without changing the key code and communicates a second key code signal from the display device to a controlled device. The controlled device is controlled in response to the key code in the second key code signal.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to television systems and, moreparticularly, a display device acts as a pass through medium forcommunications between a set back box and a remote control.

BACKGROUND

Satellite television has become increasingly popular due to the widevariety of programming available and the quality of service. Hotelsystems may offer various types of programming from cable systems orsatellite systems to guests. Often times, the systems are providedwithout program guides or other amenities typically found in a homeviewing experience.

Hotel or other property owners often provide information to guests usingthe video distribution system. Content provided to guests through thevideo distribution system may be referred to as local content channels.Hotel systems often do not provide convenient systems for hoteloperations to change local content or provide guest means for easilyaccessing content.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides a display that acts as a communicationmedium between a remote control device and a set back box or anothertype of user device.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a method includes generating a key codeat a remote control device, communicating the first key code signalcorresponding to the key code to a display device, communicating the keycode of the key code signal through the display device without changingthe key code, communicating a second key code signal from the displaydevice to a controlled device and controlling the controlled device inresponse to the key code in the second key code signal.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, a system includes a displaydevice and a remote control device generating a key code andcommunicating the first key code signal corresponding to the key code tothe display device. The display device communicates the key code of thekey code signal through the display device without changing the key codeand communicates a second key code signal from the display device to acontrolled device. The controlled device is controlled in response tothe key code in the second key code signal.

Other features of the present disclosure will become apparent whenviewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodimentwhen taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagrammatic view of a content distribution systemaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagrammatic view of a local contentdistribution system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagrammatic representation of the flow of content inthe local headend.

FIG. 4 is a screen display of the receiver management systemillustrating the various parameters for the devices.

FIG. 5 is a block diagrammatic view of a main distribution facility.

FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagrammatic view of a single-wiremulti-switch module.

FIG. 7 is a block diagrammatic view of the user receiving deviceaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a remote control device.

FIG. 9 is a block diagrammatic view of a method for communicatingbetween a display device and a setback box.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for operating the system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for adding and discovering newchannels at the user receiving device.

FIG. 12 is a block diagrammatic view of an RF aggregated distributionsystem.

FIG. 13 is a block diagrammatic view of a first embodiment of an RF andIP aggregated distribution system.

FIG. 14 is a block diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of an RF andIP aggregated distribution system.

FIG. 15 is a block diagrammatic view of an IP aggregated distributionsystem according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a screen display illustrating local content insertion in aprogram guide.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a method for communicating a local guide datasignal to the switch module.

FIG. 18A is a flowchart of a method for receiving external channelsignals.

FIG. 18B is a flowchart of a method for receiving local channel signals.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a method for operating the RF system of FIG.12.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method for operating the hybrid RF system ofFIG. 13.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a method for operating the hybrid RF systemillustrated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a method for operating the IP systemillustrated in FIG. 15.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a method for adjusting the user receivingdevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following figures the same reference numerals will be used forthe same views. The following figures are described with respect to asatellite television system. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the teachings of the present disclosure may be applied tovarious types of systems including a cable system or wirelessterrestrial systems.

As used herein, the term module refers to an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared,dedicated, or group) and memory that executes one or more software orfirmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitablecomponents that provide the described functionality. As used herein, thephrase or at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean alogical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR. It should beunderstood that steps within a method may be executed in different orderwithout altering the principles of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a satellite television broadcasting system 10is illustrated. The satellite television broadcasting system 10 includesan operational headend or network operations center (NOC) 12 thatgenerates wireless uplink signals through a transmitting antenna 14which are received by a receiving antenna 16 of a satellite 18. Thewireless signals, for example, may be digital and in a first format usedfor satellite communications. A transmitting antenna 20 generateswireless downlink signals directed to various receiving systemsincluding stationary systems such as those in a building 22 or propertywith multiple buildings. The building 22 may be a larger home, amultiple dwelling units, hotel or other types of commercial buildings inwhich having multiple screen displays coupled to a local server aredesirable.

The wireless signals may have various types of data associated with themincluding various channel information such as a channel or programguide, metadata, location information and the like. A television channelcommunicated from outside the building or property will be referred toas an external channel. The guide data corresponding to the externalchannel is referred to as external guide data. Both the external guidedata and external channel data may be received from the networkoperations center 12 or external headend. The wireless signals may alsohave various video and audio signals associated therewith. The wirelesssignals may also include program guide data from a program guide module26. The program guide module 26 may communicate various objects to thenetwork operations center 12. Various types of data may be communicatedabout the programming and grid guide including the channel number, anetwork identifier, program data such as a start and end time of airing,title, numerical identifier, content data such as actors, descriptions,ratings and the like. Program guide data may include the relativepositions of the data, the line structures for forming the grid for theprogram guide and the like.

Building 22 includes an aggregated content distribution system 38 fordistributing both local content and external content. The aggregatedcontent distribution system 38 includes a receiving antenna 40 thatreceives the wireless signals from the satellite 18 and processes thesignals in a local headend 42. The local headend 42 is within theproperty or building 22. The local headend 42 is physically separatedfrom the external headend 12 by some transmission medium such as thesatellite, cable or another wired or wireless network. Although only oneantenna 40 is illustrated more antennas may be provided. The localheadend 42 provides communication signals to a plurality of userreceiving devices 44A-44N. The plurality of user receiving devices44A-44N may be referred to as a set top box. In a hotel environment theset top box may be desired to be hidden from view. In such a situation,the set top box may be hidden behind the television and out of sight ofthe customers. Such a box may be referred to as a setback box. With theexception of the pass through signals described below, the setback boxand set top box may be functionally equivalent. Unless otherwise stated,the term user receiving device is interchangeable with a set top boxunless otherwise stated.

Each user receiving device 44A-44N may include a digital video recorder(DVR) 46A-46N. The digital video recorders 46A-46N may include a userpartition and a network partition. This is illustrated below. The userpartition is memory space that is set aside for the use of recordingprogramming thereon. The network partition may include various controls,guide data and other data that may be provided to the set top box thatis not under the control of the user or customer. As will be describedbelow, the user partition may be reset or erased when a customer checksout from the building when the building is a hotel. Parental controlsmay also be erased or reset. Parental controls allow content above arating to be restricted or not viewed at the user receiving device.

The plurality of user receiving devices 44A-44N receives signals fromthe local headend 42 and controls a respective display device 48A-48N inresponse to thereto. The display devices 48A-48N may include either anaudio or a video display, or both. The display devices 48A-48N may bemonitors or television displays. The display devices 48A-48N areindividually controlled by their respective user receiving devices44A-44N.

As was mentioned above, the system 38 may also apply to a cable-based orterrestrial wireless system. In such a case, the antenna 40 would bereplaced with a cable connection or terrestrial antenna. The system 38may also be used in a terrestrial broadcast system. In such a case, thesatellite antenna 40 would be replaced by a terrestrial signal receivingantenna.

The local headend 42 includes a management control system 50 thatperforms many functions. The management control system 50 maintains adatabase with all of the user receiving devices 44A-44N in a localnetwork 52 in communication with the local headend 42. The managementcontrol system 50 also provides a server-based web application to managethe user receiving devices within the local network 52.

The local headend 42 may also include a local content insertion server54 that provides and manages the local content files, the generation ofchannel information, the sending of channel information to the userreceiving devices 44A-44N and multicasting the local content.

A console 56 may also be included within the local headend 42. Theconsole 56 may be a web-based computer that can access the variousserver applications provided within the local headend 42.

A property management system 58 may also be included within the localheadend 42. The property management system 58 manages various functionsincluding check-ins and check-outs. Also, accounting, bookkeeping,occupancy reports and the like may also be provided from the propertymanagement system 58. The property management system 58 may interfacewith various systems to perform functions such as pay-per-viewretrieval, hotel headend status of room use and the like. The propertymanagement system 58 and the management control system 50 may be indirect communication. Further, each of the components 50-58 may also bein communication with a switching system 60. The switching system 60 mayact as a routing system between the various components of the localheadend and between the various components of the local headend 42 andthe user receiving devices 44A-44N. The switching system 60 isillustrated as within the headend 42. However, the switching system maybe at least partially outside the headend. The various functions of thecomponents within the local headend 42 will be described in detailbelow.

An aggregated content distribution system 38′ may also be disposedwithin a vehicle 70. The system 38′ may also include an antenna 40′,local headend 42′ and a plurality of user receiving devices 44A′-44N′coupled to the local headend 42′ through a network 52′. The vehicle 70may be different types of vehicles including an airplane, ship, train,bus, van or automobile. Each of the user receiving devices 44A′-44N′ maybe coupled to a respective display device 48A′-48N′. As described above,each of the user receiving devices 44A′-44N′ may also include a digitalvideo recorder 46A′-46N′, respectively. Also, the components of thelocal headend (50′-60′) may also be similarly disposed for controllingand providing content to the various user receiving devices 44A′-44N′.

Referring now to FIG. 2, one example of the aggregated contentdistribution system 38 is set forth for distributing local content aswell as external content received from the external headend 12. Thelocal content distribution system 38 is illustrated segmented intodifferent functional areas. In this example, a hotel control portion 210includes a router 212, the console 56 and a property management system58. The management control system 50 may also be in communication withthe router 212. The router 212 may be part of the switching system 60illustrated in FIG. 1. The router 212 may also be in communication witha network 214 for receiving and transmitting various data.

A main distribution facility (MDF) 220 may also be part of theaggregated content distribution system 38. The main distributionfacility 220 may be in communication with and physically separated fromthe hotel control portion 210. The main distribution facility 220 may belocated in a closet or room, for example, in a basement or in anout-of-the-way location. The main distribution facility 220 may includea main distribution facility switch 222. The main distribution facilityswitch 222 may also be in communication with local content sources 224.The local content sources 224 will be described below as different meansfor providing local content signals to the remaining portions of thesystem.

The aggregated content distribution facility 38 may also include anintermediate distribution facility (IDF) 230. The intermediatedistribution facility 230 communicates the content to various userreceiving devices such as user receiving devices 44A-44N located withinhotel rooms 232. The intermediate distribution facility 230 may belocated on each floor of the hotel or adjacent to the plurality of hotelrooms in which it serves. For larger systems 38 one main distributionfacility 220 and a plurality of intermediate distribution facilities 230may be used. The intermediate distribution facility 230 may include anintermediate distribution facility switch 233 which communicates signalsto a format conversion module 234. The format conversion module 234 isused to convert internet protocol (IP) signals to a coaxial format. Inthis example, the conversion module 234 may be a DIRECTV® Ethernetcoaxial adapter (DECA). The conversion module 234 is an IP-to-coaxialconverter. The conversion module 234 is in communication with a singlewire multi-switch or switch module (SWM) which is referred to as aswitch module 236. The switch module 236 may also be in communicationwith the antenna 40. In this embodiment, four outputs 238 are receivedfrom the antenna and communicated to the switch module 236. A splitter240 may be used to split the output of the switch module 236 tocommunicate the content signals and guide data signals to the varioushotel rooms 232.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the local headend 42 is illustrated infunctional blocks that may be implemented in hardware, software or acombination of both. The local headend 42 has two main functionsincluding user receiving device functions 310 and local contentinsertion functions 312. The user receiving device functions 310 will bedescribed as setback box functions but apply equally to various types ofuser receiving devices including a set top box.

The user receiving device functions 310 include a setback box discoveryservice 314. The setback box discovery service 314 initiates a servicethat listens to the local network to discover all the setback boxes onthe network. The service may be implemented using different protocolsincluding universal plug-and-play (UPnP) and simple service discoveryprotocol (SSDP). Upon discovery of a new setback box, the discoveryservice 314 reads identification data such as the IP address, thereceiver identifier and the conditional access module information. Also,other types of data may be received by the setback box discovery deviceincluding the signal quality, the current setback box time, and lowbattery status. This data is stored within the setback box database 316.Each setback box may periodically notify the network of its presence. An“alive” status may also be communicated regularly by the setback boxesthroughout the network. The setback box discovery service 314 receivesthe data which may be used by the setback box manager 318 to displayavailability information to the system operator.

The setback box database 316 contains lists for all discovered userreceiving devices (setback boxes), a running status of the userreceiving devices, a favorites list for each user receiving device andgroup data for the system.

The setback box manager 318 may include a set top box (STB) hypertexttransfer protocol (HTTP) exported functionality (SHEF) communicator 320.The HTTP commands from the SHEF communicator 320 and as control commandsto command the various user devices to perform different functions. TheSHEF communicator 320 is a service that the setback box manager 318 usesto generate appropriate SHEF commands. The SHEF communicator 320 iscapable of simultaneously communicating with a group or sub-group ofsetback boxes in order to quickly and efficiently send and receive datafrom a large number of setback boxes. The groups or sub-groups may beselected at the console 56 of the local headend.

The SHEF communicator 320 may use a SHEF encryption key to communicatewith each setback box in the system. It should be noted that althoughone SHEF communicator 320 is illustrated, different numbers of physicalmachines may be used to run the function of the SHEF communicator 320.The number of physical machines is dependent upon the number of userdevices. The SHEF communicator 320 initiates connections and prevents asecond command from being sent to a setback box before a first commandcompletes.

The setback box manager 318 allows the property management user toconfigure, manage and view the status of the various setback boxeswithin the system 38. This is performed using the console 56 illustratedin FIG. 3. All of the setback boxes for the system may be displayed atthe console 56 with various data including a name, an IP address, areceiver ID, a status, whether or not the system is active, and thelike. The display may also be organized by floors or other designatedgroups. Thus, different groups of setback boxes may be controlled in adifferent manner. The setback boxes may have access to different contentor local channels as will be further described below. The setback boxmanager 318 may be used to set room numbers, reboot the setback boxes,display on-screen displays for a particular setback box or a group ofsetback boxes, and define, apply and reset default settings. The setbackbox manager 318 may also be used to define, manage and set favoriteslists, receive visual or audio alerts regarding setback box changes fromactive to non-active, configure various screen alerts and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a screen display illustrating a DIRECTV®receiver management system is set forth. As described above, the setbackbox manager 318 may display various data on a display 410. The displaymay include a room number column 412, a receiver identification numbercolumn 414, a conditional access module number column 416, internetprotocol identifier column 418, a favorites list column 420, and anactive indicator column 422. As is illustrated in column 412, various“floors” of equipment may also be sorted. The floors include groupingsof systems such as those organized by intermediate distributionfacilities. The floors could represent one group or different group ofdevices. As mentioned above, when various video and/or audio alerts maybe generated by the receiver management system such as when a receiverchanges from an active to inactive mode. Audible displays may also beactivated such as beeping to provide an indicator of a change of statusof one of the receiver identifiers.

The favorites list 420 may be configured by the setback box manager toallow each of the setback boxes to be configured with a favorites list.The favorites list determines the list of channels viewable by the guestin the room. Multiple favorites lists may be pre-configured and may bereferred to by name and selected for a different room. Thus, differentfavorites lists may be configured for each room. Groups of rooms mayalso be configured with the same favorites list.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the setback box manager 318 may also provideother functions including grouping of setback boxes into groups which isshown in FIG. 4. This may be performed based upon room number. Groupsmay be assigned by selection for special groups or sub-groups at thefacility. For example, when a conference is at a hotel, setback boxesfor the rooms assigned to the attendees of the conference may beselected together. By selecting the group, local content channels may beaccessed by only the attendees of the conference. For example, variouslectures may be telecast through the local property. Another use is aconcierge floor of a hotel which may allow access to more channels thana general guest. The groupings may thus be assigned by floor.

The user receiving device functions 310 may also include a dynamic hostconfiguration protocol (DHCP) server 324. The DHCP server 324 may beused to receive requests from setback boxes using the dynamic hostconfiguration protocol.

A property management system (PMS) interface 328 may also be includedwithin a user receiving device functions 310. The PMS interface 328allows the setback box manager 318 to communicate with the propertymanagement system 58 illustrated in FIG. 1. The property managementsystem 58 may send events like check-in or check-out. One purpose of thePMS interface 328 is to interface with an existing Property ManagementSystem with the local head-end. The PMS may initiate resetting thedefaults of the setback boxes in the rooms when a guest checks in or outby interfacing with the local head-end and sending these commands. Acheck-out or check-in message may be received from the propertymanagement system which may then be communicated to the managementcontrol system 50. The PMS interface 320 is in communication with thesetback box manager 318 which generates the appropriate communicationsignal such as the SHEF commands which are communicated to the setbackboxes.

The local content insertion functions 312 are used for generatingprogram guide channel objects for the local content channels inserted atthe local headend. The channel objects provide the setback boxes withenough data to create an entry in the program guide in the setback box.The channel objects also provide enough data to allow the setback boxesto tune to the proper local channel. It should be noted that a standardprogram guide may be received in various manners from the satellite. Thechannel objects for the local channels may be referred to as a localchannel insertion channel object. The program guide is thus modifiedfrom a standard program guide for the local content distribution system.

The local content insertion functions 312 include a local contentinsertion (LCI) channel manager 340. The local content insertion channelmanager 340 is used to define the channels that are communicated via aserver-based web application. Local content is distributed via amulticast stream having a multicast address on an IP network. Eachmulticast stream is defined by a channel which will appear in thesetback box guide. Tuning data for the multicast stream is included inthe program guide to allow the user devices to tune to the channel.

The local content insertion functions 312 are used to manage the list ofall available channels of local content using the local contentinsertion channel manager 340. The local content insertion channelfunctions 312 may also provide the ability to stream out any locallystored video files via a multicast IP stream using a multicast IP videopump 342.

A video file importer 344 may be used to import files via a filetransfer protocol or USB. The video file importer 344 stores files in avideo files store 346. The video file importer 344 imports content thatis stored or prerecorded. The local content insertion functions 312 mayalso import live channels. A live channel monitoring system 348 may beprovided prior to the multicast IP video pump 342. Live channels may becommunicated to the multicast IP video pump 342 from the live channelmonitoring system 348. The live channel monitoring system 348 may allowa check to be performed on the live channel so that “bad” content maynot be distributed to the setback boxes. Live channel monitoring mayinclude monitoring bitstreams for the live channels for validation.Checks may be a simple MPEG-2 transport packet synch-byte verificationor looking for the presence of a particular bitstream. Of course, othertypes of monitoring, depending on the type of signal, may be performed.

A local content insertion channel list updater 350 may be used to updatea channel list 352 in response to the local content insertion channelmanager 340. The local content insertion channel manager 340 mayinitiate an additional channel (channel insertion) or remove a localcontent insertion channel from the system (channel deletion). The localcontent insertion channel list updater 350 generated an insertion ordeletion signal to update the channel list to add or remove a channeland direct the system to the proper content within the file store 346 orthe live channels from the live channel monitoring system 348. Theseoperations may be performed through the console 56.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the main distribution facility 220 isillustrated in further detail. As mentioned above, the local contentsources 224 may be generated from various live sources or recordedsources. The main distribution facility 220 may include a plurality ofencoders such as an IP audio-video (A/V) encoder 510. Each of the localcontent sources 224 may include a respective encoder in the maindistribution facility 200. A local sports module 512 receives live orrecorded local sporting channels and communicates the local sportingchannels to a respective encoder 510. The local sports module 512 may bea local over-the-air antenna, cable feed or satellite feed.

Another type of local content sources 224 is a security camera 514. Thesecurity camera 514 may generate an output which is communicated to arespective encoder 510. Of course, the security camera may generate aformatted signal that requires no further encoding is necessary. Variousnumbers of security cameras 514 may be incorporated into a system.

A barker channel module 516 may generate a barker channel signal whichis communicated to an encoder 510. The barker channel 516 is a form ofdigital signage. The barker channel may be composed of different salespromotions, advertising for various services within the local networkand various announcements. The barker channel 516 may include recordedcontent as well as directions for various events. The content may be assimple as text. Of course, different slides or screens may be providedon a periodic basis and “revolve” to provide different types ofannouncements or screen displays. This may be managed through theconsole 56 and the management control system 50 illustrated in FIG. 1.

A conference channel module 518 may be used to generate live or recordedconference material for the aggregated content distribution system 38.The conference module 518 may be communicated to an encoder 510. Theconference signal from the conference channel module 518 may be providedselectively to guests participating in the conference.

Each of the encoders 510 may be in communication with an encoderaggregation switch 520. The encoder aggregation switch 520 aggregates orreceives all the encoder signals from the encoders for each of the localcontent sources 224. The encoder aggregation switch 520 may be incommunication with the main distribution facility switch 222. Thecontent from the local content sources 224 is provided to the hotelrooms through the encoder aggregation switch 520 and other switchingmeans provided within the content distribution system.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a single-wire multi-switch module (switchmodule) 236 is illustrated in further detail. In this embodiment, fourinputs 610, 612, 614, and 616 are illustrated. The single-wiremulti-switch module 236 may also include an output 620 used forgenerating output that is communicated to the various rooms. In thisexample, eight guest rooms may be fed from a single output 620. Asplitter may be used to split the output physically.

The inputs 610-616 may receive external channel signals having variousfrequencies corresponding to the transponders of the satellite. Thus,the inputs 610-616 may have frequencies stacked that correspond to thefrequencies of the transponders within the satellite. The inputs includefrequencies that correspond to program guide data.

The single-wire multi-switch module 236 may also include an auxiliaryinput 630.

The inputs 610-616 correspond to the transponders for the differentorbital locations of the satellite. The single-wire multi-switch module236 assigns a frequency for each of the tuner modules within the setbackboxes. Thus, each of the tuner modules is assigned a different frequencyband for communication. A modulator module 640 is used for providing themodulated signals. Each of the user receiving devices thus generates arequest for a channel from one of the inputs 610-616. The channels arethen modulated into the frequency corresponding to the tuner of the userreceiving device. The frequency signals may be combined onto the output620 using a multiplexer 642. The splitter 240 illustrated in FIG. 2 maysplit the combined signal for each tuner or user receiving device. Everytuner may receive every requested channel but only the channel(frequency) corresponding thereto is displayed. A controller 644controls the communication and the modulators 640 to provide the propersignal. In this example, each guest room corresponds to a single userreceiving device having one tuner. However, in a system that includes adigital video recorder, more than one tuner may be associated with auser receiving device. In this manner, each tuner may correspond to adifferent modulated frequency. In the present example, eight differenttuner modules are assigned to a single-wire multi-switch module 236.However, various numbers of devices may be provided depending upon thesize of the single-wire multi-switch module. Program guide data may becommunicated through the inputs 610-616 or the auxiliary input 630.Also, local content channels may also be provided through the auxiliaryinput 630. Details of these configurations will be set forth below.

The auxiliary input 630 may be an IP local channel signal that wasconverted to coaxial format. The signal received on the auxiliary input630 may also be modulated at a frequency different than the externalchannel signals received at the modulator 640. The output of themultiplexer 642 may include the modulated signals for the externalchannel signals and the modulated local channel signal received at theinput 630.

In an alternative embodiment, a combiner 650 may receive the modulatedlocal channel signal and combine the signal with the multiplexed andmodulated external channel signals. The external channel signals and themodulated local channel signal in the coaxial format may be combinedoutside of this single wire multi-switch module 236. The signal on theauxiliary input 630 may be from the IP to coaxial conversion module(DECA) that will be described below in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15. The combinerand single wire multi-switch module 236 may be considered together to bea switch module. That is, whether the local channel insertion signalsand the external channel signals are combined inside or outside thesingle wire multi-switch module, the switch module includes the singlewire multi-switch module or the single wire multi-switch module 236 andthe combiner 650.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a user receiving device 44 is set forth infurther detail. The user receiving device 44 may include one or morevideo tuner modules 710. The video tuner modules 710 may receive signalsfrom the satellite antenna 40 through the single-wire multi-switchmodule 236 illustrated in FIG. 6. Each video tuner module 710 may be incommunication with a demodulator module 712. The demodulator module 712demodulates the tuned signal from the video tuner module and providesthe output to a forward error correction decoder 714. The forward errorcorrection decoder 714 may be provided to the display 48 through anoutput driver 720. Further, the output of one of the decoders 714 may beprovided to a memory 722 which may include a DVR 724. As mentionedabove, the DVR 724 may include a system partition 726 and a userpartition 728. The content from the forward error correction decoder 714may be stored in the user partition 728 for inter playback.

A conditional access module 730 may also be provided within the userreceiving device. The conditional access module (CAM) 730 may includedecryption keys for decrypting the content received. Without aconditional access module 730 signals may not be used by the userreceiving device 44.

The memory 722 may also include a memory module 730 that comprisesvarious types of memory used for operating the user receiving device.For example, the memory module 730 may include volatile memory andnon-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include an EEPROM. Thememory module 730 may be used for storing various operational values andprogram guide data and the like.

The user receiving device 44 may also include a network tuner module740. The network tuner module 740 may be used to tune to an RF signalfor receiving program guide data. The program guide data may be receivedfrom an external source such as the satellite or through the localheadend and the local content insertion functions 312 illustrated inFIG. 3.

The user receiving device 44 may also include an IP tuner module 744.The IP tuner module 744 may be used to transmit and receive data throughthe local IP network associated with the content distribution system ofthe local headend.

The user receiving device 44 may also include a user control interfaceinput 746. The user control interface input 746 may provide inputs frombuttons or switches on a remote control device 750. For a setback box,the user control interface input 746 may be provided from the remotecontrol device 750. For a set top box, the remote control device maycommunicate coded signals directly to the user control interface inputusing infrared or RF signals. The remote control device 750 may provideuser control interface signals through a television for a user receivingdevice 44. This process will be further described below. The usercontrol interface input 746 receives the coded signals from the remotecontrol device and provides the coded signal to a controller 760. Thecontroller 760 is a microprocessor-based system that controls thevarious components within the user receiving device 44. For example, thetuner module 710, the demodulator module 712, the decoder module 714,the conditional access module 730, the output driver 720, the memory 722and the tuner modules 710 may all be associated or in communication withthe controller 760. Based upon the various conditions, the controller760 generates various outputs including displaying program guide dataand content data as well as receiving and forming selections. Thecontroller 760 also interfaces with the local headend 742 through thenetwork tuner module 740 so that various functions may be controlled.Some functions have been described above and further functions will bedescribed below.

It should be noted that the setback box or set top box embodied in theuser receiving device 44 may not include all of the various componentsdepending upon the configurations. For example, the number of tunermodules 710, demodulator module 712 and decoder 714. Further, therequirement for an IP tuner module 744 or network tuner module 740 maynot exist in some configurations. Various configurations for differenttypes of systems using different types of communication protocols mayrequire different components.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the remote control device 750 of FIG. 7 isillustrated in further detail. A power button 810 may be used to powerthe remote control device 750 or the television or both. With a setbackbox configuration, the user may not realize that the setback box isactually disposed behind the television out of view. Therefore, thepower button 810 may be used to control both the television power ormonitor power and the setback box power. The remote control device 750may include a list button 812 for listing various functions associatedwith a menu system. An information button 814 may be used to providevarious information in a menu system. An exit button 816 may also beprovided for exiting a particular menu system. Various arrow keys 820may be used for navigating different menu systems. A select button 822may be provided for selecting various functions. A guide button 824 maybe used for displaying a program guide. A menu button 826 may be usedfor obtaining a menu for controlling various functions.

Should the user receiving device include a digital video recorder,control buttons for controlling the digital video recorder may beprovided. For example, a play or pause button 830 may be provided. Aswell, a forward button 832 and a reverse button 834 may also beprovided. A record button 836 as well as repeat button 838 may also beprovided. A forward button 840 may also be provided.

To control the volume of the display, a volume switch 842 may beprovided. The volume switch 842 may be a rocker switch that increases ordecreases the volume. A mute button 844 may be used to mute the soundfrom the television. A channel change button 846 may also be providedfor changing the channels or selecting a different page in a menustructure. Number buttons 850 may also be provided. The number buttons850 may allow the user to select a particular number for selecting achannel or providing an input to the recording device. Variousalphabetic characters may also be associated with the number buttons.The alphabetic characters may be selected for providing various inputsto different menus or to the digital video recorder. It should be notedthat the remote control device 750 may be a simplified remote controldevice from those of a normal set top box in a residential environment.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a controlled device such as the user receivingdevice and a display device 48 such as a high-definition television setare illustrated having input and output ports. The remote control device750 communicates using infrared which is detected by the display device48 with an infrared detector 910. The remote control 750 generates a keycode based on the key selected. The key code is communicated to theinfrared detector 910 which in turn communicates the signal to atransceiver 912. Typically, a display device 48 may only include onetransceiver for communicating with a transceiver 914 of a setback box.The transceiver 912 may communicate using different formats such aselectrical signals such as HDMI 916 or RJ12 920 or IR signals. Thetransceiver on the user receiving device 914 may include HDMI 922,infrared 924, or a universal serial bus (USB) signals 926, which arealso electrical. Of course, more than one transceiver may be provided ona display device 48 or user receiving device 44. Typically, ahigh-definition television set converts the code of the signal andhighly processes the signal from the remote control device. In thisexample, the remote control signal is merely passed through the displaydevice 48 to the output. If the display device 48 recognizes the signal,functions corresponding to the key code may be taken at the displaydevice. For example, a volume control button may be processed directlyat the display device 48 for increasing or decreasing the volume fromthe display. Other signals intended for the setback box 44 may not beacted upon by the display device 48. These signals may be passeddirectly to the transceiver 912 where they are transmitted to thetransceiver 914 of the user receiving device 44 and processed therein.In response, the controlled device performs a function. A responsesignal to the key code may also be generated.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the process for communicating between the userreceiving device 44. The controlled device may also be a digital videorecorder, a setback box or a set top box. The display device 48 may be atelevision or monitor. In step 1010, a key code is generated at theremote control device based upon a user input. The user input isgenerated from the selection of a button or switch of the remote controldevice. In step 1012, the key code is communicated to the television ina first key code signal corresponding to the key code. The first keycode signal may be infrared. In step 1014, the first key code signal ismonitored. If the key code is recognized by the display device in step1016, step 1018 performs the function designated by the key code.Recognizing the key code corresponds to comparing the key code to acontrol code for the display device. Step 1018 is performed when the keycode corresponds to a control code for the display. After step 1018,step 1020 ends the process.

Referring back to step 1016, when the key code is not recognized, thekey code may be communicated to a second key code signal in step 1022.The key code is formed into a second key code signal that may be in adifferent physical form. Although the transmission format is changed,the actual code or representation of the code is not changed. That is,the key code is passed through the system without reprocessing or beingchanged. After step 1022, the key code is communicated from thetelevision or display device to the user receiving device 44 in a secondkey code signal. In step 1026, the key code in the second key code isprocessed at the user receiving device. In step 1028, the user receivingdevice is controlled in response to the key code. In step 1030, aresponse signal may be generated from the user receiving device. Theresponse signal may be used to change the display of the television instep 1032. The display of the television may be changed in various waysincluding forming a selection, generating a screen display for a programguide, initiating a menu change, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a method for adding user receiving devices tothe system is set forth. In step 1110, the system is monitored using themanagement control system. In step 1112, a user receiving device isdiscovered that is connected to a network. In step 1112, the userreceiving devices may generate signals through the network that theyhave been connected to the network. The management control systemrecognizes the new user receiving device. In step 1114, the managementcontrol system continuously monitors for other user receiving devices inthe network. When a new user receiving device is discovered in step1116, step 1118 queries the new user receiving device for variousidentifying data that may include, but is not limited to, a number, areceiver identifier, a conditional access module identifier, a signalquery data, user receiving device current time, low-battery data, andother data. After a new receiving device is obtained, the user receivingdevice may be configured by the management control system. To configurethe user receiving device, management control system data may beprovided for various functions. For example, the user partition of thedigital video recorder may be erased, a favorite channel list may beprovided and other functions may also be adjusted by the managementcontrol system. In step 1122, guide data may be communicated to the userreceiving device. The external guide data may be communicated from thesatellite. Local guide data may be communicated from the local headendso that local channels may be accessed by the user receiving device.Local channel data may be communicated using control command thatincludes tuning data to allow the user receiving device to join an IPmulticast of the local channel signal. The tuning data may include alocal channel name, local channel multicast address, descriptionduration and a group identifier. The control command instructs one ormore user receiving devices to add the local channel data to the memoryof the user receiving device. External guide channel data and localguide channel data are stored within the user receiving device. Inresponse to the guide data, local channels or external channels may betuned to, based on the guide data.

Referring now to FIG. 12, various means for distributing guide data,local channels and other content may be provided in the framework of theabove-mentioned description. FIG. 12 is a specific embodiment for an RFaggregated content distribution system 1210 wherein the local channelsand local channel guide data are communicated in an RF system through anetwork.

The RF aggregated content distribution system 1210 includes a pluralityof encoders 1214 for encoding local content. The local headend 1208includes a multiplexer 1216 that is in communication with the encoders1214. The multiplexer 1216 may generate an MPEG-2 multiplexed signal. Ofcourse other types of encoding may be provided. The multiplexer 1216 maycommunicate the multiplexed signal to a modulator 1218. The modulator1218 may modulate the signal to a desired RF frequency and thus form atransport stream. The transport stream from the modulator 1218 isprovided to the hotel RF distribution infrastructure 1220. The hotel RFdistribution infrastructure 1220 may be in communication with anintermediate distribution facility 1222. The intermediate distributionfacility RF distribution system may include various amplifiers andsplitters as required. The intermediate distribution facility 1222 maycommunicate the RF signals to a single-wire multi-switch switch module(SWM) 1224. The switch module 1224 may be provided based upon the numberof end user receiving devices. Each switch module 1224 may service apredetermined number of user receiving devices. In one constructedembodiment, eight user receiving devices may be in communication withone switch module 1224.

The switch modules 1224 may be in communication with an outdoor unit1226 which may include a receiving antenna. The outdoor unit 1226communicates signals from the satellite transponders to the switchmodules 1224 as described above in FIG. 6. The switch modules 1224 mayuse the auxiliary input port for receiving the RF local channel contentsignals.

Referring back to the local headend 1208, stored content in a memory1230 may also be provided to the modulator 1218 and communicated tothrough the hotel RF distribution infrastructure 1220, the intermediatedistribution facility 1222, and the single-wire multi-switch module1224.

The outdoor unit 1226 may also be in communication with an advancedprogram guide (APG) receiver 1240. The APG receiver 1240 may receiveprogram guide data from the external source such as the external headend12 through the satellite 18 illustrated in FIG. 1. The local headend1208 may also include a local content insertion guide generator 1242.The local content insertion guide generator 1242 generates guide channeldata for the local content insertion channels generated at the localheadend. A guide data consolidator 1244 may be in communication with theAPG receiver 1240 and the LCI guide generator 1242. The guide dataconsolidator 1244 aggregates the local content guide data and theexternal program guide data from the APG receiver 1240. The aggregatedguide data may be provided to the switch module 1224. An auxiliary inputof the switch module 1224 may be used for receiving the aggregated guidedata. The aggregated program guide data may look like a virtualsatellite network and act as “channel 1” which is used to transmitprogram guide data to the user receiving devices. In this manner, theaggregated guide data replaces the guide data from the satellite andthus for “channel 1” the user receiving devices 44 are configured toobtain the program guide data from channel 1 at the auxiliary input ofthe single-wire multi-switch module 1224.

The output of each switch module 1224 may be provided to a plurality ofuser receiving devices 44. The number of switch modules varies dependingon the size of the building or property serviced by the system.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a hybrid aggregated content distributionsystem 1308 for communicating program guide data by way of an IP networkand local channels by radio frequency (RF) is set forth. In thisembodiment, a local headend 1310 is illustrated having similarcomponents to FIG. 12 for the encoder 1214, the multiplexer 1216, themodulator 1218, the hotel distribution infrastructure 1220, theintermediate distribution facility 1222, and the switch modules 1224. Inthis embodiment, the outdoor unit 1226 provides signals to thesingle-wire multi-switch modules 1224 in a similar manner to FIG. 12.

In this embodiment, the local headend 1310 includes a local contentinsertion guide generator 1312 that generates guide data for the localcontent channels. An LCIAPG engine 1314 formats guide data in the properformat such as properly formatted objects. The objects are alsoformatted in IP format. The IP formatted grid data is communicated in anIP multicast stream. The local content insertion program guide data inIP format is communicated to an intermediate distribution facility layerswitch 1316. A conversion module 1318 converts the IP multicast signalto a coaxial signal for input into an auxiliary input of the single-wiremulti-switch module 1224. For this embodiment, the user receiving device44 has an IP tuner and is not required to have a network tuner. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 no network tuner is required. Theconversion module 1318 converts the IP local channel signal to a coaxialsignal by modulating the IP multi-task signal. The IP local channelsignal is modulated using a frequency different than the frequenciesused for modulating the external channel signals. As mentioned above,the local channel signal and the external channel signals may becombined within the single wire multi-switch 1224 or in a combinerexternal to the single wire multi-switch 1224. This was illustrated inFIG. 6. The combiner 650 and the SWM modules 1224 are all consideredpart of a switch module.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the same elements from FIG. 13 are labeledwith the same reference numerals. This embodiment is also referred to asa hybrid system since the local channels are distributed by RF and localguide data by IP. In this configuration, the aggregated contentdistribution system 1408 includes the local headend illustrated in FIG.13. Likewise, the delivery of the local content insertion program guidedata is also the same as FIG. 13. However, in this example, an RFmultiplexer 1410 receives the modulated signal from the modulator 1218.A coaxial cable may be used to communicate the modulated signal to theRF multiplexer. The modulated signal may be modulated to a frequencythat corresponds to an unused transponder frequency of the satellite.One of the outputs of the outdoor unit is also in communication with theRF multiplexer 1410. The local content channel signals are multiplexedwith the signals from the outdoor unit and provided to one of theregular inputs to the switch module 1224. Thus, the multiplexed signalappears to the switch module as originating from the satellite. From theuser receiving device perspective, the local content insertion guidedata and the program guide data from the external source appear togetherand are received in the usual manner for a user receiving device withthe exception that the local guide is provided through the auxiliaryinput of the multi-switch.

Referring now to FIG. 15, another embodiment of the system is set forthwhich uses IP to distribute the local channels and guide data. In thisembodiment, the encoders 1510 encode the local channel signals into IPsignals that are communicated to an Ethernet switch 1512. The Ethernetswitch 1512 is in communication with a server 1514 that may also havestored content 1516 therein. The stored content 1516 is in communicationwith a local content insertion server video pump 1518. A local contentinsertion program guide engine 1520 is also in communication with thevideo pump 1518. Both the guide data and the local content channels arecommunicated to a “layer 3” switch 1530. The layer 3 switch 1530 iscapable of communicating multicast signals through a network. The layer3 switch allows other users to join the multicast distribution of thelocal content signals and guide data signals.

The hotel backbone network 1532 receives the output of the switch 1530.The hotel backbone network 1532 communicates the IP program guide datasignals and the channel signals to an intermediate distribution facilitylayer 2 switch 1534. Because of the IP nature of the channel and guidechannels, category 5 (CAT 5) cables may be used as part of the holdinfrastructure. Because the signals are in an IP format, a conversionmodule 1536 is used to convert the signals into a coaxial format to bedistributed to the switch modules 1538. Thus, coaxial cables may be usedto distribute the signals from the conversion modules 1536 to the switchmodules 1538. The outdoor unit 1540 provides the single-wiremulti-switches 1538 with external channel signals from the satellite orother distribution source.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a screen display 1610 of a program guide isset forth. In this simplified example, a channel column 1612, a networkcolumn 1614, and time slot columns 1616 and 1618 are provided. The row1620 having channel 7 corresponds to the network “ABC” in which a movieis provided at 8:00 p.m. In row 1622, hotel information is provided.Thus, by tuning to channel 8 the user receiving device displays thehotel information on the screen display associated with the user device.This may be a barker channel or video stream. Row 1624 also provides alocal content channel. The local content channel in this configurationis for the Society of Engineers Conference video. Channel 1624 may notbe available to all of the user receiving devices within the localsystem. The user receiving devices that have users associated withSociety of Engineers may be provided with the conference video channelin row 1624. Another row 1626 belongs to a network “CBS” in whichSurvivor is broadcasted at 8:00 p.m. As can be seen by the screendisplay of the program guide, both local content and external contentmay be provided within a program guide and tuned to.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a method for obtaining the local program guidedata and the external program guide data is set forth. In step 1710,external program guide data is received. As mentioned above anddepending on the system configuration, the external program guide datamay be received through a single-wire multi-switch module or received atanother location within the headend.

In step 1712, local channel program guide data is generated at the localheadend. The local guide data may be communicated with a controlcommand. As mentioned above, a SHEF command may be used. The controlcommand may include turning data that includes a channel identifier,channel name, channel number, description, duration, multicast tuningaddress and a group identifier. In response to the control command, theuser receiving device may add the data to the memory of the userreceiving device. In step 1714, the local program guide data and theexternal program guide data are ultimately combined to form consolidatedprogram guide data in the memory of the user receiving device. In step1716, the local program guide data is communicated to a switch module.Both external program guide data and local program guide data may becommunicated to the single-wire multi-switch module. The guide data maybe combined prior to the single-wire multi-switch or at the single-wiremulti-switch using different inputs. Thus, the user receiving device mayactually combine the data or receive the data at different times fromthe local channel program guide data and the external program guidechannel data. Also, as mentioned above in FIGS. 12-15, the local programguide data may be communicated in an IP or RF format depending on thetype of system.

Referring now to FIG. 18A, a method for controlling the system toreceive external television signals is set forth. In step 1810, externaltelevision signals are received from the external source. In the presentexample, the outdoor unit provides external television signals from asatellite. Also as mentioned above, the present system may also beapplicable to other types of systems including a cable system in whichthe television signals may be received from a cable system. Of course,other types of terrestrial wireless signals may be received, such asover-the-air signals. In step 1812, the external television signals arecommunicated to a switch module. The switch module is used fordistributing the external television signals to the user receivingdevices. In step 1814, selection signals are generated at the setbackbox and communicated to the switch module in step 1816. In step 1818,the television signals are communicated to the setback box from theswitch module in response to the selection signal. That is, the switchmodule determines the proper channel signal and communicates the signalthrough the frequency assigned to the setback box and the tuner of theset back box. In step 1820, the external channel is displayed on thedisplay associated with the setback box.

Referring now to FIG. 18B, a method for displaying local channel signalsis set forth. In step 1840, local channel signals are generated. Asmentioned above, local channel signals may be generated in variousmanners including from stored content, live content and barkerchannel-type data. In step 1842, the local channel signal iscommunicated from the local headend through the local network of thebuilding to a switch module. The local channel signal may becommunicated in various ways, including IP or RF. In step 1844, achannel list having a local channel identifier, a channel name, achannel number, a description, duration, multicast tuning data, groupand identifier data may be generated. The channel list and local channeldata therein may be stored within the local headend.

In step 1846, a setback box may have a group established therefor. Asmentioned above, various setback boxes may have a group established withother setback boxes. The setback boxes may have common configurationssuch as favorites channels. The setback box group may correspond tomembership in a particular conference, members of a particular floor, orother arbitrary groupings. In step 1848, a channel manifest is obtainedfrom the user receiving device. The channel manifest is a list ofchannels stored in the user receiving device which are accessible by theuser receiving device. In step 1850, the channel manifest of the userreceiving device is compared to a headend channel manifest whichcorresponds to the desired channel list for the user receiving device.In step 1852, channels may be added or removed from the local channelmanifest in response to comparing in step 1850. More channels oradditional channels may be added as needed. Channel data may be added tothe program guide data of the user receiving device (and thus thechannel manifest of the use receiving device) using a SHEF commandgenerated in the local headend and communicating the SHEF command to theuser receiving device 44. The SHEF command is a control command thatprovides tuning data to the user receiving device. The tuning data mayinclude the local channel name, local channel multicast address, localchannel identifier, description, duration, and group identifier. Withthe tuning data the channel can be added to the program guide data inthe user device. A SHEF command may also be used to remove guide datafrom the guide data of the user receiving device. In step 1854, a secondchannel selection signal corresponding to a local channel is generated.The local channel selection signal is communicated to the switch modulein step 1856. In step 1858, the switch module is configured to retrievethe local channel signal and the local channel signal is communicatedthrough the frequency assigned to the user receiving device. In step1860, the local channel signal is displayed at the setback box.

Referring now to FIG. 19, a method for operating the system of FIG. 12is set forth. In step 1910, the local channel signals are either locallygenerated or received. In step 1912, the local channel signals areencoded. As mentioned above, various types of encoding may be useddepending upon the desired result at the user receiving device. Forexample, MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 encoding may be used. In step 1914, theencoded local channel signals are multiplexed together to form amultiplexed signal. In step 1916, the multiplexed signals are modulatedto form a transport stream. The transport stream of local channelsignals is communicated to a switch module in step 1918. In step 1920,external channel signals are communicated to the switch module. In step1922, a selection signal is generated at the user receiving device. Theguide data is used to form the selection signal so that the requestedchannel is communicated to the user receiving device. In step 1924, itis determined whether the selected channel signal and the selectionsignal correspond to a local channel. If the local channel signal doescorrespond to a local channel, step 1926 communicates the local channelto the user receiving device. Referring back to step 1924, when theselected channel does not correspond to a local channel, step 1928communicates the external channel to the user receiving device. Itshould be noted that the switch module recognizes the signal and knowsthe source of the desired local channel signal or external channelsignal. That is, the switch module is able to determine the source ofthe desired signal such as one of the external inputs or one of theauxiliary inputs. In either case, the frequency for the particular userreceiving device is used to communicate the signal by modulation to theuser receiving device.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a method for operating the hybrid systemillustrated in FIG. 13 is set forth. In this example, local programguide data is generated at the local headend in step 2010. In step 2012,multicast IP data is generated for the local program guide data. Themulticast IP data is communicated through the local network. The localchannel guide data may be communicated using a control command thatinstructs the user receiving device to add the local channel guide datato the user receiving device guide data. In step 2014, the multicast IPguide data is converted into a coaxial format. This may be performed inthe IP-to-coaxial converter discussed above. In step 2016, the localprogram guide data is communicated from the converter to the switchmodule. In step 2018, external channel program guide data is received atthe switch module. In step 2020, the local program guide data andexternal guide data are communicated to the user receiving device. Instep 2022, local program guide data is inserted into and combined withthe external program guide data to form combined program guide data inthe user receiving device. In step 2024, the program guide data isdisplayed on a display associated with the user receiving device. Instep 2026, a local channel is selected from the guide data. The localchannel selection is communicated to the switch module using RF in acoaxial cable. In step 2028, the local channel signal is selected at theswitch module and, in step 2030, the local channel signal iscommunicated and processed as described above. In step 2032, the localchannel signal is displayed at the display associated with the userreceiving device.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a method of operating the hybrid systemillustrated in FIG. 14 is set forth. Step 2110 performs the first threesteps of FIG. 20 in which local program guide data is generated and themulticast IP guide data is formed. As mentioned above, a control commandis used to add the guide data for the local channel. The tuning data forthe multicast stream is used to add the tuning data to the guide data ofthe user receiving device. Next, steps 1910-1916 of FIG. 19 areperformed. In these steps, the local channel signals are generated andcommunicated in RF format modulated into a transport stream in step2112. The modulation may be performed to correspond to unusedtransponder frequency of the satellite signal. In step 2114, thetransport stream is RF multiplexed at an output of the outdoor unit.This may be performed physically outdoors or within the building of thesystem prior to the switch module. In step 2116, the RF multiplexedsignal and the other outdoor unit outputs are communicated to the switchmodule. In step 2118, a local channel or external channel is selectedfrom the program guide data to form a selection signal. In step 2120,the selection signal is communicated to the switch module. In step 2122,the local or external channel is communicated from the switch module tothe user receiving device through the frequency assigned to the userreceiving device.

Referring now to FIG. 22, a method of operating the system of FIG. 15 isset forth. In this system, both the guide data and local channel aredistributed by IP. In step 2210, the local channel signals are IPencoded. Also, local channel guide data signals are also IP encoded. Instep 2212, a multicast signal of the local channel signal is formed.Also, a local guide channel data signal is converted to an IP signal andis also an IP signal. In step 2214, the multicast local channel signaland the local guide data signal are routed through the switchingnetworks of the building 22 through the aggregated channel distributionsystem. In step 2216, the IP guide data signal and the IP channelsignals are converted to a coaxial signals using a conversion module. Instep 2218, the converted guide data and the converted local channelsignals are communicated to the switch module. The guide data may beadded to the guide data of the user receiving device using a controlcommand. The control command may use the SHEF format described above.The control command is communicated to the user receiving device withtuning data in step 2220. In response to the control command, the tuningdata for the channel is added into the memory of the user receivingdevice with the other program guide data in step 2222. In step 2224, theguide data is generated on the display associated with the userreceiving device using at least some of the tuning data. In step 2226the external channel signals are also communicated to the switch module.After the switch module receives both the external channels, the guidedata and the local channel signals, the selection of an external channelor a local channel is performed at the user receiving device as setforth above. Further, the guide data is also communicated to the userreceiving device in a similar manner.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a method of resetting a user receiving deviceusing a control command is set forth. In step 2310, personal settings ofthe user receiving device may be adjusted by the guest of the localcontent distribution system. In step 2312, one example of adjusting thesettings of the user receiving device is set forth. Adjusting thesettings may include adjusting the favorites list of the user receivingdevice. The favorites list may be adjusted based upon membership in agroup within the local content distribution system. The favorites listmay be adjusted at the management control system based on a groupassociated with the user.

In step 2314, the content may be recorded in the user portion of thedigital video recorder to form recorded content. In step 2316, when aguest of the hotel or other user of the system leaves the facility, theproperty management system may generate a checkout signal in step 2318.The checkout signal at the property management system may becommunicated to a management control system and a reset command signalmay be generated at the management control system in step 2320. In step2322, the reset command signal may be communicated through the networkto the user receiving device. The reset command signal may reset thesettings in the user receiving device in step 2324. In this example, theuser partition of the digital video recorder and the favorites list maybe reset. Further, other types of settings may also be reset or removedincluding resetting parental controls, resetting a favorite list of theuser receiving device, resetting closed captioning settings, removingcontent from a user portion of a digital video recorder of the userreceiving device and resetting interactive applications.

While particular embodiments of the disclosure have been shown anddescribed; numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur tothose skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that thedisclosure be limited only in terms of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: generating a key code at aremote control device; communicating a first key code signalcorresponding to the key code to a display device; communicating the keycode of the first key code signal through the display device withoutchanging the key code; determining, at the display device, whether thekey code corresponds to a control code for the display device; when thekey code corresponds to a control code for the display device,performing, at the display device, a function associated with the keycode; when the key code does not correspond to a control code for thedisplay device, communicating a second key code signal from the displaydevice to a controlled device; and controlling the controlled device inresponse to the key code in the second key code signal.
 2. The method asrecited in claim 1 further comprising communicating a response signalfrom the controlled device to the display device.
 3. The method asrecited in claim 1 wherein communicating the second key code comprisesgenerating an electrical signal corresponding to the key code at thedisplay device.
 4. The method as recited in claim 1 whereincommunicating a second key code signal comprises communicating thesecond key code signal using infrared.
 5. The method as recited in claim1 wherein communicating the second key code signal from the displaydevice to the controlled device comprises communicating the second keycode signal from the display device to a setback box.
 6. The method asrecited in claim 1 wherein communicating the second key code signal fromthe display device to the controlled device comprises communicating thesecond key code signal from the display device to a set top box.
 7. Themethod as recited in claim 1 wherein communicating the second key codesignal from the display device to the controlled device comprisescommunicating the second key code signal from the display device to adigital video recorder.
 8. The method as recited in claim 1 whereincommunicating the first key code signal comprises communicating thefirst key code signal to the display device using infrared.
 9. Themethod as recited in claim 1 wherein communicating the first key codesignal to the display device comprises communicating the first key codesignal to a television.
 10. The method as recited in claim 2 furthercomprising generating a screen display at the display device in responseto the response signal.
 11. The method as recited in claim 3 whereingenerating the electrical signal comprises generating an HDMI electricalsignal.
 12. The method as recited in claim 3 wherein generating theelectrical signal comprises generating a USB signal.
 13. A systemcomprising: a display device; a remote control device generating a keycode and communicating a first key code signal corresponding to the keycode to the display device; the display device communicating the keycode of the first key code signal through the display device withoutchanging the key code, determining whether the key code corresponds to acontrol code for the display device, when the key code corresponds to acontrol code for the display device, performing a function associatedwith the key code, and, when the key code does not correspond to acontrol code for the display device, communicating a second key codesignal from the display device to a controlled device; and wherein thecontrolled device is controlled in response to the key code in thesecond key code signal.
 14. The system as recited in claim 13 whereinthe controlled device communicates a response signal from the controlleddevice to the display device.
 15. The system as recited in claim 13wherein the display device generates an electrical signal correspondingto the key code.
 16. The system as recited in claim 13 wherein thesecond key code signal comprises an infrared second key code.
 17. Thesystem as recited in claim 13 wherein the controlled device comprises asetback box.
 18. The system as recited in claim 13 wherein thecontrolled device comprises a set top box.
 19. The system as recited inclaim 13 wherein the controlled device comprises a digital videorecorder.
 20. The system as recited in claim 13 wherein the first keycode signal comprises an infrared first key code signal.
 21. The systemas recited in claim 13 wherein the display device comprises atelevision.
 22. The system as recited in claim 14 wherein the displaydevice generates a screen display in response to the response signal.23. The system as recited in claim 15 wherein the electrical signalcomprises an HDMI electrical signal.
 24. The system as recited in claim15 wherein generating the electrical signal comprises generating a USBsignal.